

#22 Drinks with… American Football Head Coach Max Sommer
Mar 22, 2021
Max Sommer, the Head Coach of the Austrian American Football National Team, shares his journey from player to coach, emphasizing the teamwork that fuels his passion for the sport. He discusses the increasing popularity of American football in Austria, the challenges athletes face, and the duality of balancing passion with professionalism. Sommer also offers insights into how Austrian players can reach the NFL, shares personal stories about happiness and success, and reflects on the power of teamwork, even in the face of loss.
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Early Mentor Shaped His Path
- Max Sommer started playing football at 13 and was mentored by Rick Rhodes, a Hall of Fame coach who shaped his coaching path.
- He balances his head-coach role with a full-time job at AVL as a business developer and organization developer.
Amateur Sport With Professional Ambition
- Austrian American football is amateur but highly organized and capable of professional-level operations.
- Max's goal is to unlock the full community potential and pursue a European championship title.
Create Energizing Team Rituals
- Build team values on direct communication, respect and shared time to raise energy at every training.
- Aim for training sessions that leave players more energized than when they arrived.